The problem of evil and suffering
I can explain the problem of evil and how Christians might respond to and be influenced by evil and suffering.
The problem of evil and suffering
I can explain the problem of evil and how Christians might respond to and be influenced by evil and suffering.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are two types of evil and suffering in the world; moral and natural.
- The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God’s nature that the existence of evil raises.
- The inconsistent triad represents evil as inconsistent with God as omnipotent and (omni)benevolent.
- Many Christians believe that God is still omnipotent and (omni)benevolent even though evil exists.
- Many Christians view suffering as either a test, the result of free will or an opportunity to become a better person.
Keywords
Evil - the opposite of good; a cause of suffering and against the will of God
(omni)benevolent - the belief that God is “all good” or “all loving”
Omnipotent - the belief that God is "all powerful"
Suffering - an effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship
Common misconception
Christians ignore the problem of evil and suffering.
Many Christians recognise the problem of evil and suffering in the world, and in their own lives, and respond to the problem by referring to teachings from the Bible.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The problem of evil and suffering, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The problem of evil and suffering, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Christianity: Beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
